Barry Conlon believes City's "large and large" strike pairing can walk tall for the rest of the season.

Stuart McCall has teamed up six-footers Conlon and Peter Thorne for the last two games - which have both finished with victories.

Thorne's hat-trick against Notts County clinched City's biggest home league win since 2005 but he was quick to praise the contribution of Conlon alongside him.

The Irishman reckons their twin threat can cause a big problem for League Two defences.

Conlon said: "A lot of people think it should always be a big man and a wee man but I think we work well off each other.

"We're two of the older pros and I like to think we should have that understanding and experience. He's a clever player and I know where to be around him.

"Both of us are happy and I think the results are showing that. We complement each other well and if you are happy in your football then it makes a big difference."

Conlon and Thorne joined City on the same day as McCall's first signings in the job but it was not until New Year's Day when they played together for the first time against Accrington.

Conlon said: "We didn't get a chance for various reasons, and it's down to the gaffer to choose, but now he's put the two of us together and I personally reckon we can do well in this league.

"You need to be strong down the middle and I don't think there's a problem at all with us both playing."

The dynamic duo will be hoping to keep their winning streak alive against Rochdale at Spotland on Saturday - but Conlon is geared up for a sterner test from a side pushing for the play-offs.

"I know a few lads there and they were saying the club feels more professional than it ever has," he said.

"Everything is being done right and it's paying off because they are having a good season.

"Rochdale will be one of the better sides in this league and we can't be going there thinking it will be easy just because we've had a couple of good results.

"The gaffer is right to talk about consistency and we've started to show a bit of that and the confidence comes with good results and performances.

"We want to keep the run going and look to get maximum points from the next few games coming up but that can only happen if the work rate is there once again."

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